The law:
On January 1, 2006, ketamine became a class C drug, which means that it is illegal to possess it and to supply it without a licence.

How it is taken:
Ketamine is often supplied as tablets, or as powder which is snorted up the nose.

Effects:
Ketamine is an anaesthetic with hallucinogenic properties. It is often abused because of its hallucinogenic effects/

Users may report hallucinations or ‘out of body’ experiences for up to three hours, during which time they may be physically unable to move
as with LSD, the nature of the hallucinations is unpredictable.

Risks:
The long-term effects of recreational use of ketamine are largely unknown. As with ecstasy, recreational users are in effect human guinea-pigs. Ketamine numbs the body, so users risk serious injury without feeling pain. Excessive doses carry a risk of breathing problems and heart failure. The effects of the drug can be very alarming if the user isn’t expecting them. Mixing ketamine with other drugs and alcohol is very dangerous.